Apparatus, systems and methods for a video thumbnail electronic program guide

ABSTRACT

Video thumbnail electronic program guide (EPG) systems and methods are operable to include a video thumbnail. An exemplary embodiment receives a media content stream at a media device; picks a plurality of still image video frames from the received media content stream, wherein each still image video frame has information that is sufficient to construct the still image video frame; generate a plurality of still image video frame thumbnails, wherein each of the still image video frame thumbnails correspond to one of the still image video frames; generate a video thumbnail from the plurality of still image video frame thumbnails; and incorporate the video thumbnail with at least one program descriptor and a channel identifier associated with the media content stream into the video thumbnail EPG.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This patent application is a Continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 12/821,340, filed Jun. 23, 2010, published as U.S.Publication No. 2011/0321095, entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODSFOR A VIDEO THUMBNAIL ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE,” and issued as U.S. Pat.No. 8,621,514 on Dec. 31, 2013, the content of which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Media devices, such as a set top box, a television, a computer system, agame system, or the like, are configured to present program content to auser. To assist the user in selecting program content, an electronicprogram guide (EPG) may be presented to the user on a display. The EPGis a type of user interface that presents a menu, or a series of menus,that use a combination of text and symbols to indicate program contentviewing choices that may be selected by the user. Some EPGs include athumbnail image pertaining to the indicated program content to furtherassist the user in understanding the subject matter of the indicatedprogram content. The thumbnail image may be a single frame or otherstill image that may be selected from and/or that may be related to theindicated program content.

However, the thumbnail image in combination with the text and thesymbols may not adequately describe the nature of the indicated programcontent on the presented EPG. Even if a sufficient textual descriptionis provided in the presented EPG, it may take some amount of time forthe user to read and interpret the EPG information. Accordingly, thereis a need in the arts to more efficiently present information in an EPGthat may be more quickly understood by the user.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods of generating a video thumbnail electronic programguide (EPG) that include at least one video thumbnail are disclosed. Anexemplary embodiment receives a media content stream at a media device;picks a plurality of still image video frames from the received mediacontent stream, wherein each still image video frame has informationthat is sufficient to construct the still image video frame; generate aplurality of still image video frame thumbnails, wherein each of thestill image video frame thumbnails correspond to one of the still imagevideo frames; generate a video thumbnail from the plurality of stillimage video frame thumbnails; and incorporate the video thumbnail withat least one program descriptor and a channel identifier associated withthe media content stream into the video thumbnail EPG.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and alternative embodiments are described in detail below withreference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a videothumbnail electronic program guide (EPG) system implemented in anexemplary media device;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing greater detail of the exemplaryembodiment of the video thumbnail EPG system implemented in theexemplary media device of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the videothumbnail EPG system that is configured to receive video thumbnails froma remote media device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a videothumbnail electronic program guide (EPG) system 100 implemented in amedia device 102, such as, but not limited to, a set top box (STB).Embodiments of the video thumbnail EPG system 100 may be implemented inother media devices, such as, but not limited to, televisions (TVs),digital video disc (DVD) players, digital video recorders (DVRs), gameplaying devices, personal computers (PCs), or portable media devicesthat are configured to present a video thumbnail EPG 104 on a display106 of a media presentation device 108.

Embodiments of the video thumbnail EPG system 100 process a plurality ofreceived media content streams 110 to generate a plurality of relativelysmall sized video clips that are combined with, or are otherwise addedto, the EPG information that describes available program content.Accordingly, the exemplary video thumbnail EPG system 100 comprises alisting of channel identifiers 112 that identify the programmingavailable on selected ones of the received media content streams 110, aprogram descriptor 114 providing textual information describing theprogram content on corresponding listed channels, and a video thumbnail116 that presents a relatively small sized video clip of selected videocontent corresponding to one of the received media content streams 110.

In an exemplary embodiment, a series of consecutive still image videoframes are selected from one of the received media content streams 110.Each selected still image video frame is compressed into a still imagevideo frame thumbnail. In an exemplary embodiment, the generated stillimage video frame thumbnails are saved for later presentation. When thevideo thumbnail EPG 104 is presented, the series of still image videoframe thumbnails are retrieved and a video thumbnail 116 is constructedtherefrom by serially presenting the retrieved still image video framethumbnails.

A selected still image video frame is characterized as having a completeset of video information that is sufficient to construct a still imagevideo frame thumbnail. For example, the received media content streams110 may be communicated to the media device 102 using one of the motionpicture experts group (MPEG) standards. The MPEG intra-coded frames(I-frames) are “still image” frames that have a complete set of videoinformation. Other MPEG frames have less video information, and may bereconstructed by the media device 102 based upon a related I-frame.

As a currently processed MPEG media content stream 110 provides anI-frame in the stream of video frames, that I-frame may be picked fromthe received media content stream 110. The picked I-frame is compressedinto a still image video frame thumbnail, and is stored. In an exemplaryembodiment, as a next one of the I-frames arrives at the media device102, that I-frame is picked from the received media content stream 110,is compressed, and is stored. After some duration, a sequential seriesof I-frame type still image video frame thumbnails have been generatedand saved such that the video thumbnail 116 may be generated. The videothumbnail 116 may then be incorporated into a presented video thumbnailEPG 104 such that the user views the short video thumbnail 116 of theprogram content on corresponding channels that are listed on thepresented video thumbnail EPG 104. That is, the user is presented athumbnail video clip derived from previously received program contentfor the currently presented program.

An exemplary media content stream 110 formatted under an MPEG standardmay, for example, have an I-frame in the content stream approximatelyevery second. Accordingly, the video thumbnail 116 may be comprised of aseries of still image video frame thumbnails that are presented at arate of approximately one frame per second. In comparison with a typicalframe rate of thirty frames per second, the exemplary video thumbnail116 may present a video clip that is relatively choppy. For example, themotion of a moving person may appear rather “jerky” in the presentedvideo thumbnail 116. However, the user will perceive sufficientinformation to gain an improved understanding of the subject matter ofthe program listed on the presented video thumbnail EPG 104.

Any MPEG standard, or other video standard, may be used to compress thecommunicated video information residing in the media content streams110. In situations where the media content stream 110 communicates videoframes that are all independently reproducible, or where there are alarge number of such video frames provided, embodiments may beconfigured to selectively pick ones of the complete video frames fromthe media content stream 110 based on a predefined duration or basedupon a specified number of frames (e.g.: pick every third frame).

Audio information, in an exemplary embodiment, is not picked from themedia content stream 110. In such embodiments, audio information is notpresented with the video thumbnail 116. In an alternative embodiment,video information is picked from the media content stream 110 and issaved. The user may selectively listen to the audio portion of the videothumbnail 116.

An exemplary video thumbnail EPG 104 comprises a series of rowscorresponding to information that identifies one of the received mediacontent streams 110. Each of the rows are subdivided into portions thatform columns of related information. In the exemplary video thumbnailEPG 104, the first left hand column corresponds to channel identifiers112 that are uniquely assigned to each one of the received media contentstreams 110. The second column presents the generated video thumbnail116 that corresponds to that particular one of the received mediacontent streams 110. The remaining portion of the video thumbnail EPG104 corresponds to columns arranged by time of day. Below the time ofday columns, the program descriptors 114 present selected programinformation pertaining to that particular one of the received mediacontent streams 110. Presented program information may include, forexample, the title of the program that is currently being presented inthat particular one of the received media content streams 110. Otherinformation of interest may also be presented. An end of the currentprogram may be identified by the time at which a transition to a newprogram title begins.

Alternative embodiments may present the channel identifiers 112, theprogram descriptors 114 and the generated video thumbnail 116 in adifferent order. For example, the video thumbnails 116 may be presentedon the far left hand side of the video thumbnail EPG 104.

The generated video thumbnail 116 illustrated in the exemplary videothumbnail EPG 104 is relatively small. Actual size of the presentedvideo thumbnail 116 will vary depending upon the size of the display 106and/or the number of programs listed on the video thumbnail EPG 104. Insome embodiments, the user may highlight or otherwise select aparticular one of the video thumbnails 116 presented on the videothumbnail EPG 104. Upon highlighting or selecting, the size of the videothumbnail 116 may be increased to improve visibility of the videothumbnail 116 to the user.

In the illustrative video thumbnail EPG 104, the top row of theexemplary video thumbnail EPG 104 indicates that “Station A” iscurrently presenting a “Program A” that started at 8:00 p.m. on thecurrent date, Apr. 1, 2010. A video thumbnail 110 a (illustrating atalking man) is presented between the channel identifier 112 and theprogram descriptor 114. The video thumbnail 110 a imparts informationthat may assist the user in ascertaining their level of interest in theProgram A. For example, in the video thumbnail 110 a, the man may be afamous recognizable actor performing a dialogue scene. If the userenjoys programs with that particular actor, they will readily appreciatethat the program may be of interest. Accordingly, the user may choose toselect Program A for presentation by suitably navigating about the videothumbnail EPG 104 and selecting that program for presentation usingtheir remote control 118.

The next row of the exemplary video thumbnail EPG 104 indicates that“Station B” is currently presenting a “Program B-1” that started on orbefore 8:00 p.m., and is scheduled to conclude at 9:00 p.m. The videothumbnail 116 b is of a person taking a photograph. The video thumbnail116 b may present actions by the photographer, and then might switch tothe subject being photographed, to impart that the subject matter ofProgram B-1 pertains to a photography program.

Upon the conclusion of the presentation of the Program B-1, the ProgramB-2 is scheduled for presentation. When the currently presented ProgramB-1 concludes, the still image video frame thumbnails for the videothumbnail 116 b may be optionally deleted. Alternatively, the stillimage video frame thumbnails for the video thumbnail 116 b may beretained for later use, such as in instances where the Program B-1 isscheduled for later presentation. At that time, when the Program B-2 isbeing presented, a still image video frame thumbnails derived from theprogram content for Program B-2 will be used for the video thumbnail 116b.

The next row of the exemplary video thumbnail EPG 104 indicates that“Station C” is currently presenting a “Program C-1” that started on orbefore 8:00 p.m., and is scheduled to conclude at 9:00 p.m. The videothumbnail 116 c is of a panoramic landscape scene. The video thumbnail116 c may present a panning view of the landscape scene to impart, forexample, that the subject matter of Program C-1 pertains to a traveldocumentary program.

The next row of the exemplary video thumbnail EPG 104 indicates that“Station D” is currently presenting a “Program D” that started on orbefore 8:00 p.m., and is scheduled to conclude at, or after, 9:00 p.m.The video thumbnail 116 d is of a running deer. The video thumbnail 116d may impart, for example, that the subject matter of Program D pertainsto a wildlife program or a hunting program. Some embodiments of thevideo thumbnail EPG system 100 are configured to update the videothumbnail 116 d using a newer generated series of still image videoframe thumbnails. That is, the video thumbnail 116 d may correspond toan earlier received portion of the received media content stream 110corresponding to the Program D. As a current portion of the mediacontent stream 110 for the Program D is received, a series of newlyreceived consecutive still image video frames are picked from thecontent stream and are compressed into a series of new still image videoframe thumbnails. When a sufficient number of new still image videoframe thumbnails are saved, a new video thumbnail 116 d may be presentedon the video thumbnail EPG 104.

The next row of the exemplary video thumbnail EPG 104 presents the videothumbnail 116 e of a mountain to indicate that “Station E” is currentlypresenting a “Program E” with the subject matter pertaining to amountain climbing program or a skiing program, for example. The last rowof the exemplary video thumbnail EPG 104 presents the video thumbnail116 f of a running football player to indicate that “Station F” iscurrently presenting a “Program F” that corresponds to a football gameor related sports program.

Like conventional EPGs, the user may navigate about the video thumbnailEPG 104 in any suitable manner. For example, a program of interest maybe selected depending upon the user's interest. The user may scroll upor down the video thumbnail EPG 104 to view information for additionalones of the received media content streams 110 using their remotecontrol 118.

Alternative embodiments of the video thumbnail EPG 104 may presentavailable programming on less than, or more than, the exemplary sixprogram channels illustrated in FIG. 1. Some embodiments may beconfigured to present the program information and the video thumbnails116 in a different format. For example, but not limited to, the videothumbnails 116 may be presented in a mosaic pattern or the like.Supplemental descriptive information may be optionally presented asneeded so that the user better appreciates the nature of the programmingrepresented by the presented video thumbnails 116.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing greater detail of the exemplaryembodiment of the video thumbnail EPG system 100 implemented in theexemplary media device 102 of FIG. 1. The exemplary embodiment comprisesa media content stream interface 202, a processor system 204, a memory206, a program buffer 208, an optional digital video recorder (DVR) 210,a presentation device interface 212, a remote interface 214, and anoptional portable media device interface 216. The memory 206 comprisesportions for storing media content processing logic 218, a videothumbnail generator 220, a video thumbnail file 222 configured to storethe plurality of still image video frame thumbnails and/or the generatedvideo thumbnails 116, and current EPG information 224. In someembodiments, the media content processing logic 218 and the videothumbnail generator 220 may be integrated together, and/or may beintegrated with other logic. In some embodiments, the video thumbnailfile 222 and the current EPG information 224 may be integrated together.Other media devices may include some, or may omit some, of theabove-described media processing components. Further, additionalcomponents not described herein may be included in alternativeembodiments.

The functionality of the media device 102, here a set top box, is nowbroadly described. A media content provider provides program contentthat is received in one or more media content streams 110 multiplexedtogether into one or more transport channels. The transport channelswith the media content streams 110 are communicated to the media device102 via a media system sourced from a remote head end facility (notshown) operated by the media content provider. Non-limiting examples ofsuch media systems include satellite systems, cable system, and theInternet. For example, if the media content provider providesprogramming via a satellite-based communication system, the media device102 is configured to receive one or more broadcasted satellite signalsdetected by an antenna (not shown). Alternatively, or additionally, themedia content stream 110 can be received from one or more differentsources, such as, but not limited to, a cable system, a radio frequency(RF) communication system, or the Internet.

The one or more media content streams 110 are received by the mediacontent stream interface 202. One or more tuners 202 a, 202 b in themedia content stream interface 202 selectively tune to one of thereceived media content streams 110 in accordance with instructionsreceived from the processor system 204. The processor system 204,executing the media content processing logic 218 and based upon arequest for a program of interest specified by a user, parses outprogram content associated with the program of interest. The program ofinterest is then assembled into a stream of video and/or audioinformation which may be stored by the program buffer 208 such that theprogram content can be streamed out to the media presentation device108, such as the exemplary television, via the presentation deviceinterface 212. Alternatively, or additionally, the parsed out programcontent may be saved into the DVR 210 for later presentation.

From time to time, information populating the current EPG information224 is communicated to the media device 102, via a special media contentstream 110 or via another suitable media. The current EPG information224 stores the information pertaining to currently scheduledprogramming. The current EPG information 224 may include, but is notlimited to, a scheduled presentation start and/or end time, a programchannel, and descriptive information. The program's descriptiveinformation may include the title of the program, names of performers oractors, date of creation, and a summary describing the nature of theprogram. Any suitable information may be included in the program'ssupplemental information.

The above processes performed by the media device 102 are generallyimplemented by the processor system 204 while executing the mediacontent processing logic 218. Thus, the media device 102 may perform avariety of functions, including preparing program content forpresentation on the display 106 of the media presentation device 108.

The processor system 204 executes the video thumbnail generator 220 topick selected still image video frames from one of the received mediacontent streams 110. The picked still image video frames, such as theexemplary I-frames, are each compressed into the still image video framethumbnail in accordance with a suitable video information processingalgorithm stored in the video thumbnail generator 220.

Upon receipt of a command from the user requesting presentation of thevideo thumbnail EPG 104, the program schedule information residing inthe current EPG information 224 is retrieved, formatted, and integratedwith corresponding ones of the video thumbnails 116 stored in the videothumbnail file 222. The video thumbnail EPG 104 may then be presented onthe display 106.

Some embodiments may include the optional portable media deviceinterface 216 that communicatively couples the media device 102 toanother electronic device, such as the portable media device 226, via acommunication network 228. Non-limiting examples of the portable mediadevice 226 include a cellular phone, a personal device assistant (PDA),a laptop computer, or the like. The video thumbnail EPG 104 may becommunicated to the portable media device 226 for presentation on itsdisplay 230.

The communication network 228 is illustrated as a generic communicationsystem. In one embodiment, the communication network 228 comprises aradio frequency (RF) wireless system. Accordingly, the portable mediadevice interface 216 is a suitable cellular transmitter. Alternatively,the communication network 146 may be a telephony system, the Internet, amicrowave communication system, a fiber optics system, an intranetsystem, a local access network (LAN) system, a local network, anEthernet system, a cable system, a radio frequency system, a cellularsystem, an infrared system, a satellite system, or a hybrid systemcomprised of multiple types of communication media. Alternative portablemedia device interfaces 216 may be configured to provide connectivity toany suitable communication network 228.

When the media device 102 is not currently used for program presentationand/or recording, the tuners 202 a and 202 b will not be activelyretrieving a media content stream 110 for presentation and/or recording.Embodiments of the thumbnail EPG system 100 may be configured to use oneor both of the tuners 202 a and 202 b to pick still image video framesfrom a selected media content stream 110. For example, the tuner 202 amay be receiving a first media content stream 110 from which the stillimage video frames are picked from. Concurrently, the tuner 202 b may bereceiving a second media content stream 110 from which still image videoframes are picked from. The processor system 204 receives the pickedstill image video frames, generates the associated still image videoframe thumbnails, and saves them into the video thumbnail file 222. Thesaved image video frame thumbnails may be later retrieved and assembledinto a video thumbnail 116. Accordingly, the first series of still imagevideo frame thumbnails picked off by the first tuner 202 a from thefirst media content stream 110 may be saved to later generate a firstvideo thumbnail 116. The second series of still image video framethumbnails picked off by the second tuner 202 a from the second mediacontent stream 110 may be saved to later generate a second videothumbnail 116.

Alternatively, a first video thumbnail 116 associated with the firstmedia content stream 110 may be generated and saved into the videothumbnail file 222. A second video thumbnail 116 associated with thesecond media content stream 110 may be generated and saved into thevideo thumbnail file 222.

The video thumbnails 116 are of a relatively short duration. Anexemplary embodiment generates video thumbnails 116 that areapproximately thirty seconds long, though any suitable duration may beused. In some embodiments, durations of the various video thumbnails 116may be different. For example, the durations of video thumbnails 116associated with a favorites channel list and/or most frequently watchedchannels may have a longer duration than other video thumbnails 116.

Once the series of still image video frame thumbnails, or alternativelythe video thumbnail 116, for a particular one of the media contentstreams 110 have been generated, a different media content stream 110 istuned to and a new series of still image video frame thumbnails, oralternatively a new video thumbnail 116, are generated for the new mediacontent stream 110. For example, after a sufficient number of stillimage video frames from the first media content stream 110 have beenpicked to construct the first video thumbnail 116, the tuner 202 a maybe re-tuned to a third media content stream 110 such that a third seriesof still image video frame thumbnails may be picked, or alternatively athird video thumbnail 116, are generated and saved. Similarly, after asufficient number of still image video frames from the second mediacontent stream 110 have been picked to construct the second videothumbnail 116, the tuner 202 b may be re-tuned to a fourth media contentstream 110 such that a fourth series of still image video framethumbnails, or alternatively a fourth video thumbnail 116, are generatedand saved. The process of generating video thumbnails 116 for theplurality of received media content streams 110 continues such that aplurality of video thumbnails 116 may generated.

Some embodiments are configured to generate a video thumbnail 116 foreach one of the received media content streams 110. However, it isappreciated that some media content providers provide hundreds, eventhousands, of different media content streams 110. In such applications,generating a video thumbnail 116 for each one of the received mediacontent streams 110 may not be practical since there may not be asufficient amount of time to generate video thumbnails 116 for each ofthe received media content streams 110. Accordingly, some embodiments ofthe thumbnail EPG system 100 may be configured to generate and save avideo thumbnail 116 for selected ones of the received media contentstreams 110. Accordingly, the number of media content streams 110 forwhich a series of still image video frame thumbnails (or videothumbnails 116) are generated and saved is limited to a more manageablenumber.

For example, video thumbnails 116 for media content streams 110associated with channels of a favorites list and/or a most watched listmay be generated. In another embodiment, the media content provider mayprovide the same program content in a high definition (HD) format and astandard definition format. Here, a single series of still image videoframe thumbnails (or a single video thumbnail 116) may be generatedusing one of the media content streams 110, and then used when thatparticular channel (HD or standard definition) is shown on the presentedvideo thumbnail EPG 104. Some embodiments may predefine which of themedia content streams 110 that the video thumbnails 116 will begenerated. For example, the media content provider may define which ofthe media content streams 110 will have a video thumbnail 116 generatedbased on marketing criteria or other criteria. Alternatively, oradditionally, the user may select which of the media content streams 110will have a video thumbnail 116 generated.

Because the series of still image video frame thumbnails (or videothumbnails 116) are generated and saved prior to inclusion into apresented video thumbnail EPG 104, the presented ones of the videothumbnails 116 represent a prior presented portion of the programassociated with that particular media content stream 110. When theseries of still image video frame thumbnails (or video thumbnails 116)have been generated and saved for the plurality of media content streams110, or for the selected media content streams 110, the process ofgenerating and saving the series of still image video frame thumbnails(or video thumbnails 116) may restart. Accordingly, more current videothumbnails 116 will be available for presentation on the presented videothumbnail EPG 104. In embodiments where the series of still image videoframe thumbnails (or video thumbnails 116) are being generated and savedfor a limited number of media content streams 110, such as thoseassociated with a favorites list and/or a most watched list, the videothumbnails 116 for those media content streams 110 may be relativelycurrent, and may even be available on a near-real time basis.

Some embodiments may be configured to generate and save the series ofstill image video frame thumbnails (or video thumbnails 116) forselected media content streams 110 on a more frequent basis than otherones of the media content streams 110. For example, video thumbnails 116may be generated for media content streams 110 associated with thefavorites list and/or the most watched list on a more frequent basisthan other media content streams 110. Accordingly, the video thumbnails116 for the favorites list and/or the most watched list may berelatively current, while other video thumbnails 116 for the other mediacontent streams 110 would not be as current.

When the video thumbnail EPG 104 is presented to the user, someembodiments may be configured to generate and save the series of stillimage video frame thumbnails (or video thumbnails 116) for thoseparticular media content streams 110 that are currently identified onthe presented video thumbnail EPG 104. For example, the presented videothumbnail EPG 104 is presenting information for media content streams110 associated with Stations A-F in FIG. 1. Accordingly, the series ofstill image video frame thumbnails (or video thumbnails 116) associatedwith the Stations A-F are generated and saved, while the process ofgenerating and saving the series of still image video frame thumbnails(or video thumbnails 116) for other media content streams 110 isdiscontinued or delayed.

Further, some embodiments may be configured to generate and save thevideo series of still image video frame thumbnails (or video thumbnails116) for the media content streams 110 that are associated with channelsthat are adjacent to those channels presented on the video thumbnail EPG104. For example, Station G, H and I are adjacent to Station F in theexemplary presented video thumbnail EPG 104 of FIG. 1. Accordingly,since the user may be scrolling down to view available programming onthose adjacent stations at some point, video thumbnails 116 may begenerated for those adjacent Stations H-I in anticipation of the userscrolling downward through the presented video thumbnail EPG 104.

When the media device 102 is currently in use for program presentationand/or recording, one of the tuners 202 a and 202 b will be activelyretrieving a media content stream 110 for presentation and/or recording.Embodiments may be configured to utilize the remaining one of the tuners202 a and 202 b to receive a selected media content stream 110 fromwhich the still image video frames are picked. For example, the tuner202 a may be receiving the first media content stream 110 forpresentation and/or recording. Accordingly, the unused tuner 202 b maybe receiving the second media content stream 110. That is, a videothumbnail 116 that is associated with the second media content stream110 is generated. When that series of still image video frame thumbnails(or video thumbnail 116) have been generated and saved, the tuner 202 bmay be re-tuned to a different media content stream 110 so that adifferent series of still image video frame thumbnails (or a differentvideo thumbnail 116) may be generated and saved for a different mediacontent stream 110.

Some media devices 102 only have the two tuners 202 a and 202 b. Insituations where the tuners 202 a and 202 b are both being used, someembodiments of the thumbnail EPG system 100 will not be able to generateand save a new series of still image video frame thumbnails (or generatea new video thumbnail 116). For example, one media content stream 110may be currently presented to the user and another media content stream110 may be currently recorded into the DVR 210. As another example, onemedia content stream 110 may be currently presented on a first mediapresentation device 108 and another media content stream 110 may becurrently presented on a different media presentation device 108 in adifferent location. As yet another example, one media content stream 110may be currently presented on the main viewing area of the display 106of a media presentation device 108, and another media content stream 110may be currently presented as a picture-in-picture (PIP) mode orpresented using another dual image presentation mode. Accordingly, whenthe video thumbnail EPG 104 is presented, a current video thumbnail 116may not be available for inclusion in the presented video thumbnail EPG104. (However, if the series of still image video frame thumbnails orvideo thumbnail 116 has already been saved, the video thumbnail 116 maybe incorporated into the presented video thumbnail EPG 104.)

Alternatively, some embodiments may be configured to pick I-frames froma received media content stream 110 that is being presented and/or savedinto the DVR 210. The picked I-frames are compressed into a still imagevideo frame thumbnail and saved. In the event that the video thumbnailEPG 104 is presented, the video thumbnail 116 may then be generated andincorporated into the presented video thumbnail EPG 104 for thecurrently presented and/or saved media content stream 110. Further, ifthe user changes presentation to a different media content stream 110,the video thumbnail 116 for the previously presented media contentstream 110 will be available in the event that the video thumbnail EPG104 is presented.

Some embodiments of the media device 102 may include more than twotuners. In such embodiments, the likelihood of having an unused tunermay increase. If a tuner is not being actively used to receive a mediacontent stream 110 for another purpose, then the unused tuner may beoperated to pick still image video frame thumbnails that are used togenerate and save a video thumbnail 116. Some embodiments may includeone or more dedicated tuners and/or processing systems that arededicated to receiving media content streams that are used forgenerating video thumbnails 116.

Some embodiments may be alternatively configured to store the generatedvideo thumbnails 116 in a different memory medium. For example, analternative embodiment may store generated video thumbnails 116 into theDVR 210. As another example, a dedicated solid state memory device maybe used to store the still image video frame thumbnails and/or thegenerated video thumbnails 116. The memory medium may reside in themedia device 102 or may be an external memory medium that is accessiblyby the media device 102.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the videothumbnail EPG system 100 that is configured to receive video thumbnails116 from a remote media device 302. The remote media device 302 includesa plurality of tuners 202 a-202 i. The media device 302 is configured toconcurrently generate and save the still image video frame thumbnailsand/or the video thumbnails 116 for many media content streams 110. Someembodiments of the remote media device 302 may be configured to performother media content processing functions.

The remote media device 302 includes a media device interface 304 thatis configured to communicate the generated and saved still image videoframe thumbnails and/or the video thumbnails 116 to a plurality of mediadevices 102 via the communication network 228. When the media device 302has a relatively large number of tuners 202 i, a relatively large numberof still image video frame thumbnails and/or video thumbnails 116 may begenerated and saved. Further, the video thumbnails 116 may be refreshedat a faster rate to provide video thumbnails 116 having more currentmedia content at a relatively faster rate.

The video thumbnails 116 may be communicated to the plurality of mediadevices 102 over a dedicated communication channel receivable by themedia devices 102. Alternatively, or additionally, the video thumbnails116 may be aggregated into a media content stream 110 and communicatedto the media devices 102 along with other media content.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thevideo thumbnail EPG system 100 are merely possible examples ofimplementations of the invention. Many variations and modifications maybe made to the above-described embodiments. All such modifications andvariations are intended to be included herein within the scope of thisdisclosure and protected by the following claims.

1. A media device that generates a video thumbnail electronic programguide (EPG), comprising: a first tuner configured to receive a firstmedia content stream; a second tuner configured to receive a secondmedia content stream, wherein the first and the second media contentstreams comprise a first type of still image video frames that each haveinformation that is sufficient to construct a still image video frame,and wherein the first and the second media content streams comprise asecond type of still image video frames that do not have informationthat is sufficient to construct the still image video frame; a processorsystem communicatively coupled to the first tuner and the second tuner,and configured to: pick a serial plurality of the first type of stillimage video frames in a currently received portion of the first mediacontent stream, wherein the second type of still image video frames thatare between the picked serial plurality of the first type of still imagevideo frames are not picked; generate a plurality of still image videoframe thumbnails from each of the picked serial plurality of the firsttype of still image video frames; generate a video thumbnail from theplurality of first still image video frame thumbnails; and incorporatethe video thumbnail with at least one first program descriptor and afirst channel identifier associated with the first media content streaminto the video thumbnail EPG; and a presentation device interfacecommunicatively coupled to the processor system, and configured to:communicate the second media content stream to a presentation devicewith a display, wherein the second media content stream is presented toa user on the display; and communicate the video thumbnail EPG to thepresentation device with the display in response to a user request forpresentation of the video thumbnail EPG on the display.